Method of Selection

Breadcrumb

Method of Selection

The following components are used in the listed order to select those applicants offered a position in our program.

Step 1

Each year the Admissions Committee establishes the minimum acceptable GPA score for the admissions cycle. At Queen’s we review the cumulative GPA and 2 year most recent GPA. Whichever of the two is highest is the one associated with the applicant’s application. If the applicant meets the minimum score set for the admissions cycle they progress to the MCAT evaluation. If they are below the minimum they do not progress in the process.

Applicants who have completed a graduate degree and are slightly below the GPA minimum score will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Admissions Committee. Graduate applicants are however required to meet the minimum MCAT score.

Step 2

The second form of evaluation is the MCAT. Again each year the Admissions Committee considers scores from the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviour and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills as well as the sum of these parts. The applicant must meet the minimum score set for each category and the total.

Step 3

Autobiographical Sketches

The Admissions Committee reviews all of the submitted sketch components; Employment, Extra-Curricular Activities, Volunteer Activities, Awards and Accomplishments, Research and Other. Each component when evaluated is weighted equally. Submissions are assessed based on the quality of the listed items and the characteristics they represent (not the number of items listed).

Each year approximately 2000 applicants progress to the sketch and reference letter review.

Reference Letters

Applicants are expected to choose appropriate referees to complete the Confidential Assessment Forms and write letters of reference. Referees should have extensive personal knowledge of the applicant and be in a position to reasonably make statements concerning the applicant's character, personal qualities and academic capabilities. It is recognized that referees may not be in a position to evaluate all of the characteristics requested; however, applicants should ensure that, in choosing their three referees, the subject areas are covered. At least one referee should be a non-academic/character referee.

Step 4

Based on GPA, MCAT, Sketch and Reference Letter scores, a rank order list is generated. Approximately 500 of the top ranking applicants are invited to come to Queen’s for an interview. If an applicant chooses to withdraw or decline their interview, we will offer the interview spot to the next person on the rank order list.

Step 5

Interviews

The goal of using the MMI is to more effectively assess non-cognitive qualities of an applicant, which could include empathy, critical thinking, ethical decision making and communication skills.

At each station, the applicant interacts with, or is observed by a student and faculty examiner. This presents the applicant with the opportunity to create a first impression each time they begin a new station.

Once applicants have completed the MMI interviews, an individual panel interview will assess applicant’s ability to communicate and other required personal skills. A faculty and student will engage the applicant in conversation and evaluate the required skills established by the Admissions Committee.

All applicants attending interviews will be required to sign a Confidentiality Non-Disclosure statement, to ensure the integrity and security of the interview process. Applicants offered interviews should be aware that the MMI is only scheduled once per year, over the course of two weekends. Rescheduling; regardless of the candidate’s reason will not be accommodated.

Applicants are also encouraged to participate in a variety of activities hosted by the Aesculapian Society on the day of their interview>

Step 6

Final Decision

Successful applicants are reviewed and ranked by the Admissions Committee and offers are made based on a ranked list. The rank order list is comprised of applicant scores from the Sketch, Letters of Reference and Interview Scores. Offers will be made after the first round on a rolling basis until the class has been filled. Once the class is complete all waitlisted applicants will be informed that offers are no longer being made.